During conflict, with men often on the frontlines, women increasingly assume new or additional roles, stepping into jobs and responsibilities left vacant. This shift can often lead to a transformation in gender roles and economic participation, with more and more women becoming entrepreneurs and innovators and taking on leadership roles in small businesses and community organizations.

Experts discuss how post-conflict economic reconstruction presents a unique opportunity to address previous inequalities and to build back better, fostering economies that are more resilient, diverse, and equitable.

This session will feature a keynote address, two 20-minute panel discussions on ongoing conflicts in Ukraine & Sudan, and discuss the importance of innovating for women’s inclusion in conflict and post-conflict economies.

Keynote remarks
Ambassador Melanne Verveer, Executive Director, Georgetown Institute of Women, Peace, and Security; Former U.S. Ambassador of Global Women’s Issues, US Department of State